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    PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA

    General Dermatology

    Develop the most advanced clinical skillset and critical awareness of dermatology principles and treatment options.

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    Doctor examining a patient's back

    Overview

    Round out your dermatological knowledge to accurately screen patients with difficult and complex issues of the skin and hair in primary care.

    • This course is perfect for advanced practitioners with prior training or experience.
    • Learn how to manage various dermatological conditions from richly illustrated clinical examples and interactive case discussions.
    • This course is for medical doctors, International Medical Graduates, registered nurses, dermal therapists, pharmacists, and degree-qualified health professionals.
    • CPD-accredited and university-assured.

    CPD requirements

    Fulfils 50 hrs for medical professionals in Australia

    Study modes

    100% online

    Course fee

    $2095
    Special rates available

    Study duration

    101.5 hours
    Self-paced
    Quality assured by bond university

    Course benefits

    • Accurately diagnose and treat complex skin conditions.
    • Learn to manage bites from spiders, snakes, and insects.
    • Understand how to treat skin ulcers and pressure sores.
    • Support patients with pregnancy-related and nutritional dermatoses.
    • Identify and manage oral mucosal diseases, urticaria, and drug eruptions.
    • Diagnose and treat vulvar skin diseases, STIs, and HIV.
    • Build upon your dermatological knowledge to accurately screen all patients with skin concerns in primary care.
    • Develop the most advanced clinical skillset and critical awareness of dermatology principles and treatments, with a greater focus on difficult and complex cases.

    Get unlimited access to all course content, additional learning materials, ongoing post-course support, and more.

    Course contents

    Bites: Spiders, snakes and insects

    The module focuses on how to detect, assess and plan treatment for insect, spider and snake bites. Venomous and non-venomous bites and stings are discussed including defining the difference between a bite and a sting. Insect bite and sting reactions including managing bite allergies are detailed. Diseases transmitted by insect bites are outlined including treatment options. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the module. Identifying and managing snake bites including first aid measures are discussed.   

    Skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care

    This module focuses on skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care. The module introduces a guide to identifying skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care including treatment for a range of pressure ulcers. The definition, symptoms and stages of pressure injuries are outlined including the wound healing process. The second section involves eight clinical cases and looks at how to identify the wounds, the wound healing stages and how to clinically manage each of these cases including screening for risk factors and underlying causes such as diabetes. Considerations include choice of dressings, bandages, equipment and the healing process.  Non-healing ulcers are also discussed. Prevention strategies for patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers are outlined. The final section focusses on wound care including debridement, cleansing, dressings and topical agents. Best practice recommendations are featured.  

    Pregnancy dermatoses

    This general dermatology module focuses on diagnosing complex pregnancy dermatoses and the implementation of appropriate investigations and management strategies. The physiologic changes during pregnancy are detailed including hyperpigmentation, hair and nail, glands, connective tissue and vascular changes. The clinical and histopathological features of pemphigoid gestationis, polymorphic eruption of pregnancy, intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and atopic eruption of pregnancy are discussed together with differential diagnosis and management. The module concludes with identifying and managing autoimmune progesterone dermatitis and neonatal lupus.  

    Oral mucosal diseases

    This module focuses on oral mucosal diseases and how to recognise various conditions of the tongue, oral mucosa and lips. The first section focuses on tongue conditions including clinical features of the geographic, fissured and black hairy tongue. It discusses the management of aphthous ulcers, the manifestations of oral lichen planus and pemphigus vulgaris and other conditions including oral leukoplakia, cancer and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The features, symptoms and treatment for these conditions are outlined. Differential diagnosis and prevention strategies for a number of these conditions are included. Lip conditions in this module include mucocele, fibromas, pyogenic granulomas and SCC. Clinical images are used throughout the module. 

    Urticaria and drugs eruptions

    This module focuses on identifying, diagnosing and treating four different types of drug eruptions then moves to chronic urticaria and distinguishing between erythema multiforme, Steven-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. Allergic conditions and less common reactions are included. The causes, differential diagnosis and management of chronic urticaria are discussed in detail. Contributors to triggering these conditions are outlined as well as treatment options. Clinical cases provide visual learning. 

    Nutritional dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis

    This module focuses on nutritional dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis. Content includes malnutrition, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, obesity dermatoses and delusions of parasitosis. The classifications and causes of malnutrition are explained in detail, including demographics, symptoms, testing, management and prognosis. The vitamin and mineral deficiency section explains how key vitamins and minerals work, their sources, and features/symptoms of deficiency. Differential diagnoses and treatment options are included. Obesity dermatoses is addressed and includes symptoms for leg ulcers, lipodermatosclerosis and lymphedema.  The module concludes with the psychiatric disorder of delusions of parasitosis. Clinical patient presentations demonstrating this condition are shown and the management of this condition is suggested.

    Sexually transmitted infections and HIV

    This module focuses on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV. The module demonstrates how to identify cutaneous manifestations of STIs including HIV and how to diagnose and treat related skin conditions using pattern recognition, history and laboratory exams. STIs covered include HPV, HSV, syphilis, condyloma, genital herpes, chancroid, and gonorrhea. Clinical cases are provided extensively throughout the module. Clinical features, testing and treatment options are outlined. HIV related skin conditions include seborrheic dermatitis, malassezia, crusted scabies, lymphedema, HPV and SCC are addressed with treatment options and best practice recommendations.  This module covers international and Australian treatment options. 

    Vulvar skin diseases

    This module focuses on skin conditions of the vulva and includes pigmented lesions and inflammatory skin diseases. The first section investigates benign pigmented lesions on mucosal areas and includes melanosis, seborrheic keratosis, angiokeratoma, naevi, melanoma and Paget’s disease. Inflammatory skin diseases including eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus and lichen sclerosus. Irritants, allergens, symptoms and treatment options are listed. The role of reflectance confocal microscopy to assist with diagnosis of difficult lesions is considered.  

    Clinical audit requirement

    As the pinnacle of GP dermatology training at HealthCert Education, the Professional Diploma of General Dermatology goes beyond traditional coursework to deliver a truly immersive, practice-enhancing experience. In addition to course activities, a standout feature of this program is the clinical audit, where participants submit and analyse their own real-world cases — a powerful opportunity to directly apply your learning. This hands-on component, combined with an in-depth literature review of journal articles, ensures participants leave with both academic rigour and practical excellence.

    Did you know you can also study most of these course modules in HealthCert 365?

    If you're not interested in pursuing a full certificate in this field but simply want to enhance your skills in specific topics covered in this course, you can access the content of this and other courses for a flat fee of $83 per month (paid annually) within HealthCert 365.

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    Meet your instructors

     
    Prof_Richard_Usatine
     
    Prof Richard Usatine
    MD PhD

     

    Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas, USA.

    Founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio, USA

    Professor Richard Usatine is the Professor of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at the University of Texas. He is the author of nine books and over 120 papers, founder of the Interactive Dermatology Atlas on the web, and is the most recognised skin cancer presenter in the USA. Since 2000, he has been chosen yearly by his peers to be included in The Best Doctors in America. He is also the national chair of the yearly Skin Course put on by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and is the founder and medical director of the University Health System Skin Clinic in San Antonio.

    Richard has been involved in Global Health through his work in Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Haiti and Ethiopia. In 2000, Richard Usatine was recognised as the national recipient of the Humanism in Medicine Award, by the Association of American Medical Colleges.

     
     
    Prof_Caterina_Longo
     
    A/Prof Caterina Longo
    MD PhD

     

    Scientific Coordinator, Skin Cancer Unit, ASMN-IRCCS, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
     

    Associate Professor Caterina Longo is a board-certified dermatologist specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers. Although providing the best care possible for patients remains her primary goal, she also committed to education and clinical research. She is actively involved in clinical research and has published numerous papers on topics related to skin cancer with an emphasis on melanoma, atypical nevi, Spitz/Reed nevi and non-melanoma skin cancer.

    Caterina’s research interests are focused on the use of imaging instruments such as dermoscopy and confocal laser microscopy to recognise skin cancer early in its development. She pioneered the use of ex vivo fluorescence confocal microscopy for micrographic Mohs surgery applied for basal cell carcinoma and other visceral tumours. Caterina frequently lectures on these topics both nationally and internationally.

     
    Christopher Ross circle transp
     
    Dr Christopher Ross
    BSc (BiomedSc) (Hons)
    BMBS FACD

     

    Dermatologist

    Dr Christopher Ross is an Adelaide-based Dermatologist who completed a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with Honours at Adelaide University in 2004, before completing his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at Flinders University in 2008.

    Dermatology training was conducted at Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Flinders Medical Centre and Royal Adelaide Hospital; he was awarded Fellowship of the Australasian College of Dermatologists (FACD) in 2016. Dr Ross has published multiple articles in the Australasian Journal of Dermatology and has written and presented several courses in General Dermatology with HealthCert for teaching purposes.

    Dr Ross has a keen interest in rural dermatology, providing outreach services to Darwin and rural South Australia. He also holds the position of Visiting Medical Specialist at Flinders Medical Centre, providing care and teaching to Dermatology registrars. Dr Ross has an interest in all general dermatology including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hair loss.

    Dr Ross become a founding member of DermoDirect, which is an online teledermatology service that provides a valuable expert service to rural areas of Australia. He also is a founder of Diagnode, the telehealth platform behind Dermodirect.

     
    Stulberg_Daniel
     
    Dr Daniel Stulberg
    MD FAAFP

     

    Professor and the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Family and Community Medicine
     
    Dr Daniel Stulberg is a Professor and the Vice Chair of Education in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of New Mexico, USA. After completing the Inteflex program and residency at the University of Michigan in 1990, he worked for eight years in rural Arizona before moving into full time teaching. Daniel has published multiple articles and presents at national conferences regarding skin care and treatment. He has a dual appointment in family medicine and dermatology with an emphasis on skin care and procedural family medicine.

    Study modes

    Certificate Courses

    Full Certificate Course:
    Study fully online

    • Study entirely online at your own pace.
    • Participate in expert-led tutorials and complete online assessments.
    • Earn your CPD hours and receive your university-assured certificate.
    Micro-Courses

    Micro-Courses:
    Study individual modules only

    • Focus your learning on one or more specific topics from this Certificate Course.
    • Complete the module at your own pace and earn immediate CPD.
    • Perfect for targeted upskilling without committing to a full course.
    EXPLORE MICRO-COURSES
    Digital library of CPD activities

    HealthCert 365 subscription: 
    Curate your own CPD journey

    • Explore 4,000+ hours of university-assured CPD.
    • Cherry-pick topics of interest — from core skills to advanced knowledge.
    • Build your own CPD plan to go beyond minimum compliance, or upskill with ready 50-hour programs.
    • Learn exactly what you want, when you want —  for a flat annual fee.
    START FREE 7-DAY TRIAL

    Professional Diploma of General Dermatology

    $2095

    .

    • Meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement
    • 100% online
    • Flexible start and completion time
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    Bundle two courses and save 5%, or three courses and save 10% upon enrolment.
    Talk to us about deferred payment options, registrar scholarships and special rates.

    *For Australian residents only: Online course prices are shown exclusive of GST. If you are GST-registered, please enter a valid ABN at checkout to ensure GST is not applied. Otherwise, 10% GST will be added at checkout. View our FAQ for more information.

    Exampl of a Professional Diploma of General Dermatology
    This certificate meets the 50hr annual CPD requirement for medical practitioners

    A fantastic dermatology course. I did my DPD in Wales over 10 years ago and was dubious as to whether it was worthwhile doing it. I also work primarily in skin cancer medicine rather than general practice and felt I would be going over "old ground". I was so mistaken! The content and lecturers were fantastic and I highly recommend the course to any primary care GP or skin cancer doctor.

    Dr D. King

    All the presenters are approachable and highly knowledgeable about the field, and they convey important points applicable in general practice.

    Dr C. Marquez

    Good, interactive course with excellent speakers. I particularly enjoyed the case study scenarios which helped to integrate the knowledge I've gained.

    Dr A. Tucker

    The General Dermatology course is invaluable and very relevant to general practice.

    Dr T. Aung

    This is a really good course and I learned a lot. I knew nothing in dermatology, and now I know what to do, when and how.

    Dr F. Almotawa

    The Professional Diploma of Dermatology program has been an incredibly enriching and comprehensive journey. The depth and professionalism of the curriculum truly exceeded expectations, offering both a strong theoretical foundation and practical insight. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation and sincere thanks to the dedicated doctors and administrators who supported us throughout the program.

    Dr A. Shaith

    Accredited CPD activities in this certificate

    Each module in this certificate is an RACGP and ACRRM approved CPD activity.

    RACGP Activity Number ACRRM Activity Number Activity Title Education Hours Performance Hours Outcome Hours
    408268 28549 Pregnancy Dermatoses 408268 28549 3.5 6 0
    408276 28552 utritional dermatoses and Delusions of parasitosis 408276 28552 4 6 0
    408281 28553 Vulvar skin diseases 408281 28553 3.5 6 0
    408259 28547 Bites: Animals, snakes and insects 408259 28547 4 6 0
    408273 28551 Urticaria and Drug eruptions 408273 28551 4.5 6 0
    408263 28548 Skin ulcers, pressure sores and wound care 408263 28548 4 6 0
    408270 28550 Oral mucosal diseases 408270 28550 4 6 0
    410626 30994 Sexually transmitted infections and HIV 410626 30994 4.5 6 0
    644849 32348 Clinical Audit of General Dermatology: Psoriasis 644849 32348 0 2 19.5
    646472 32335 Clinical Audit of General Dermatology: Acne 646472 32335 0 2 19.5
    Total hours 32 52 39

    View the CPD Hours for all HealthCert Education activities. 

    Outcome measurement

    The comprehensive, peer-reviewed clinical audit associated with this Professional Diploma exceeds the minimum annual CPD outcome measurement hours.

    Pre- and post-course information

    Entry requirements

    The Professional Diploma of General Dermatology is tailored for general practitioner training and suitable for medical doctors, degree-qualified medical professionals, registered nurses, pharmacists, and dermal therapists.

    Participants must have completed the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology (or qualification deemed equivalent). HealthCert also highly recommends successful completion of at least 50 cases of general dermatology prior to enrolment.

    Participants do not have to pass an IELTS test but, as the courses are delivered in English, proficiency in listening, reading and writing English is assumed.

    Participants will require access to a computer/laptop, an internet connection and a basic level of technology proficiency to access and navigate the online learning portal.

    Recognised prior learning (RPL)

    Professionally recognised qualifications and prior studies may be recognised for entry into this course if the learning outcomes match exactly. Please ask a HealthCert Education Advisor for an individual assessment of your prior qualifications and experience.

    Certification

    This certificate course meets the minimum 50 hours CPD annual requirement across all three mandatory CPD activity types.

    Upon successful completion of the course requirements, course participants will receive the Professional Diploma of General Dermatology and CPD hours.

    This certificate course:

    • Is quality-assured by Bond University.
    • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
    • Qualifies for CPD hours from the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).
    • Is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP).
    • Is a self-submitted activity in Dubai. The number of CPD hours must be stated on the certificate. Please contact PLD@dhcr.gov.ae for more information.
    • Is a self-submitted activity in the UK. CPD events overseas, applicable to a doctor’s scope of practice, may be submitted for revalidation. Please confirm with your Responsible Officer.
    • Is a self-submitted activity in Canada through the College of Family Physicians of Canada.  Contact mainprocredits@cfpc.ca for more information.
    • Is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP). The HKCFP recognises all courses endorsed by the RACGP. Hours are calculated differently.
    • Meets World Federation of Medical Education standards.
    • Provides credit for Postgraduate Diploma in General Dermatology which is studied online at the Rila Institute of Health Sciences which in turn provides credit for a Master of Science in Dermatology awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).
    • Has been independently developed with subject experts and does not receive education grants from any pharmaceutical company.

    To learn more about the delivery of certificates in Australia and overseas, please visit our FAQs.

    Pathways

    Professional Diploma pathway

    This course is the final stage of the professional diploma pathway. The full pathway is: Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology, Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.

    Postgraduate pathways

    Graduates of the HealthCert Professional Diploma of General Dermatology may apply for a scholarship to an online Master degree from our partner in the UK. HealthCert recommends the MSc in Dermatology in Clinical Practice which is awarded by University of Buckingham. Please contact our UK partner directly regarding this scholarship: https://www.diploma-msc.com/s/healthcert

    Postgraduate Pathway with the University of Plymouth

    This pathway is suitable for doctors who are mainly interested in clinical academic study. The Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology is studied through the Rila Institute of Health Sciences and awarded by the University of Plymouth (UK).

    There are three modules in the Postgraduate Diploma. Medical professionals who successfully complete the HealthCert Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology will be eligible to apply for Accreditation of Prior Certified Learning (APCL) for module 3 of the Rila Institute / Plymouth University Postgraduate Diploma in Dermatology.

    The Postgraduate Diploma is mainly delivered online. No practical workshops will be required due to the APCL from the HealthCert qualifications. Overall there will be a time saving of 40 per cent of the postgraduate program due to the APCL. Exams will be held in Perth, Western Australia.

    When the Postgraduate Diploma has been successfully completed, medical professionals can apply for credit from the Postgraduate Diploma to the Master of Science in the specialism awarded by the University of Plymouth.

    Certified Clinical Attachments Pathway

    Upon completion of the Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, participants can complete a Dermatology Clinical Attachment to increase the safety and accuracy of their work. Clinical Attachments in Dermatology are currently available at the University of Vienna under the supervision of Professor Harald Kittler. 

    Course graduates may also join the International Society of Dermatology (ISD).

    University quality-assured and CPD-accredited education provider 

    This organisation is an RACGP-accredited CPD provider under the RACGP CPD Program.

    Quality assured by Bond University
    HCE homepage logo _ RACGP Major Provider _ transp
    Rila - Institute of Health Sciences
    Clinical attachments with the Medical University of Vienna
    ACRRM-2023-logo_200x100

    Frequently asked questions

    Don't see your question? Explore other faqs or talk to us.

    What are the costs and payment options of the course?

    Fees will vary based on the program and study option selected (fully online vs online + optional practical workshop). Payments can be made upfront or in monthly instalments. Special rates and various payment options are available. GP registrars and doctors in training enjoy a scholarship of up to $500. Talk to us to learn more.

    What is the Alumni Support Program?

    Completion of any HealthCert course or attendance at an event will enable you to access the HealthCert Alumni Program which includes:

    • Access to special alumni rates for new courses when they are released.
    • Special alumni price for HealthCert Conferences.
    • Exclusive advanced access to HealthCert events.
    • Regular Alumni Webinars pertaining to the course(s) you have attended. These will provide content review of the course and an opportunity to discuss case studies.
    • Access to the video lectures as seen during the course(s) that you have attended.
    How will I receive my certificate?

    HealthCert Education is pleased to issue digital credentials for alumni. Digital credentials are a permanent online record of your successful completion of a HealthCert course and are issued to all course participants in addition to PDF certificates. If you are based in Australia, you also have the option to order a hard copy of your digital certificate for a small additional fee.

    How long will the course take to complete?

    The recommended study duration of this certificate course is 101.5 hours, which includes study of the pre-course activities and readings, online lectures, live tutorials, and online assessment. This self-paced course offers the flexibility of 100% online study in your own time, at your own pace, in your own home or office, with no mandatory face-to-face requirements. You are not required to be online at specific times but can view and replay video lectures at your convenience.

    Is this course recognised in my country?

    All HealthCert courses meet World Federation of Medical Education standards. This certificate course qualifies for CPD hours from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) in Australia. It is recognised by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) in New Zealand. It is recognised by the Hong Kong College of Family Physicians (HKCFP) in China. It is a self-submitted activity in Dubai and the United Kingdom. It is a self-submitted activity through the College of Family Physicians in Canada. If you live or work outside one of the above-mentioned countries, please contact us on admin@healthcert.com to discuss whether this course can be recognised in your country.

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